90,000 pupils pen poems to bring Peace One Day

MORE THAN 90,000 schoolchildren are to take part in a nationwide poetry challenge to promote world peace.

Pupils are being asked to explore the theme of world peace (Picture modelled)

Pupils are being asked to explore the theme and what it means to them as part of Peace One Day on September 21. The event is called Poems For Peace.

Children’s author Francesca Simon, who wrote the Horrid Henry series and won the 2008 Children’s Book of the Year prize, is to judge the national contest.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in this worthy cause which engages not only the children but their families, asking them to use their creativity and ­imagination to write about peace.”

The Missouri-born writer, now living in London with her husband and son, has sold over 15 million copies of her books in 24 countries.

The winner will go on a trip to The Hague for this year’s Peace One Day concert, headlined by Carlinhos Brown, Miguel Bosé and The Feeling.

They will also have their poem printed on a tea towel, which will be sold through organisers Ocado, the online supermarket.

Jason Gissing, Ocado co-founder and Peace One Day ambassador, said: “As a father I want my children to grow up in a world where peace is a reality for all, not just a dream.

Peace One Day founder and film maker Jeremy Gilley

As a father I want my children to grow up in a world where peace is a reality for all, not just a dream

Jason Gissing, Ocado co-founder and Peace One Day ambassador

“Engaging school children is vital in this process as they are the next generation of peace makers.”

Non-profit organisation Peace One Day was set up in 1999 and the event was later adopted by the United Nations as an annual time of global ceasefire and non-violence.

Founder and film ­maker Jeremy ­Gilley said: “We’re ­delighted to be working with Ocado on this project. Young people have always been at the heart of our work and this competition is a great way to engage them.”

The global event has proved to be a catalyst for broad-ranging action by both individuals and groups.

In 2007 Mr Gilley and actor Jude Law travelled to Afghanistan to mark the event.